Regalis Gemmiferus, 2024,
acrylic paint on xuan paper with accompanying AI voice
(H) 90 x (W) 90 cm
"Regalis Gemmiferus" is an exploration of power, identity, and legacy, encapsulated in the re-imagined portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown. The title, derived from Latin, translates to "Royal Jewel-Bearer," reflecting the crown's role as a symbol of monarchy and sovereignty. In this work, the crown is more than a mere adornment; it is depicted as a living entity, pulsating with the life force of Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa, the diamond that serves as its artificial heart. This painting delves into the duality of the crown's existence—both majestic and burdened by the weight of its colonial past—inviting viewers to consider the complex relationship between the symbols of power and the histories they carry.
Embedded within the painting are QR codes that, when scanned, lead to an AI-generated voice, giving life to the crown's inner thoughts. This voice articulates the crown's conflicted emotions, torn between its identity as a symbol of royal grandeur and the ethical implications of retaining a gemstone taken from its place of origin. The inclusion of these QR codes allows the viewer to engage with the artwork in a dynamic way, creating a dialogue between the visual and auditory elements. The AI voice of "Regalis Gemmiferus" operates as a voice of an inanimate object steeped in history, and challenging the audience to reflect on the enduring legacies of imperialism and the dilemmas of restitution.
Embedded within the painting are QR codes that, when scanned, lead to an AI-generated voice, giving life to the crown's inner thoughts. This voice articulates the crown's conflicted emotions, torn between its identity as a symbol of royal grandeur and the ethical implications of retaining a gemstone taken from its place of origin. The inclusion of these QR codes allows the viewer to engage with the artwork in a dynamic way, creating a dialogue between the visual and auditory elements. The AI voice of "Regalis Gemmiferus" operates as a voice of an inanimate object steeped in history, and challenging the audience to reflect on the enduring legacies of imperialism and the dilemmas of restitution.